    
Anyone who is considering getting a pet house rabbit as a pet should weigh
the positive and negative factors carefully before making the decision. Yes, it is true that a
rabbit may look very cute and cuddly, especially when they are young. However, rabbits can live up to ten years,
so someone thinking about getting a pet rabbit must realize they are about to make a commitment for a decade.
Especially around Easter time, when some pet shops display adorable looking rabbits, it can be a temptation to
purchase one on impulse. Such a decision, should never be made lightly.
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Although children may think they would love to have a rabbit in the
house, rabbits and children are not necessarily compatible. A rabbit is not like a stuffed toy that can be picked
up and tossed around the way kids often do. Although many rabbits enjoy being stroked and petted, most rabbits do
not like to be picked up, held or confined. When this trait is combined with having sharp incisor teeth, it is not
uncommon when careless children end up being bitten by frightened rabbits.
In addition to their ability to inflict painful bites, many rabbits also
like to chew. Besides chewing their food, they may also enjoy chewing furniture legs and electrical cords. Homes
that contain house rabbits should be "bunny proofed" that is having lamp cables, telephone cords and computer
wiring either moved where rabbits cannot reach them or covered with protective shielding that rabbit teeth
cannot penetrate.
Another reason why a rabbit should be under the care of a
responsible adult is because of their tendency to have delicate digestive systems. They groom themselves on a
regular basis and in the process end up ingesting quantities of their own fur. This can result in a hair ball that
plugs up their intestinal tract, a medical condition known as digestive stasis.
The symptoms of the condition are that the rabbit stops eating and stops
leaving droppings. If not treated, a rabbit in stasis can die in a very short time. Therefore, a close watch must
always be kept on a rabbit's input and output, and if these things stop happening, immediate medical attention is
required.
Children cannot be relied upon to make such observations.
Despite the foregoing warnings, it is hoped that the potential problems
associated with the ownership of a house rabbit are not overly discouraging. Rabbits do indeed make
fascinating, loving additions to a household and can provide years of joy to their owners.
For a person who decides that they would like to have a house rabbit, it
is recommended they contact their local SPCA or animal shelter to see if there are any rescued or abandoned
rabbits available for adoption, as these animals are often hungry for human attention and affection and have
been known to make excellent companions.
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